100%. It seems every age has its own way of telling us to accept reality. It's worth wondering why this is the case. I like your reference and it opens up another interesting thought - does it really matter where we sit?
Another superb piece. As always, a good solid kick in the conscience delivered with erudition, wisdom and style!
I hadn't heard of 'there it is' before, but I have thought a lot about the sort of acceptance of reality it entails that is encouraged in stoicism (and Confucian Buddhism and Taoism, I think?), and my own habit of whingeing and 'boat ducking'. I am not settled on the idea that Christian 'resignation to God's will' is entirely the same thing, but I do think it encourages the same - or similar - behaviours.
If I did not believe in Providence, I would probably attribute the success of Christianity in the ancient world purely to the prior acceptance of stoic thought, upon which it builds/rests (a point for debate): I was interested to learn fairly recently that Epictetus was widely read in the Roman army: and I think it is no coincidence that in Roman society, the earliest movements towards Christian thought appear to have been in two large social groups: the poor, and the military.
The relationship between Christian and Stoic acceptance is book worthy. If only there were 30 hours in a day...
I like your theory on Christianity being built on top of Stoicism. That would be ironic, since Stoicism, like most philosophy back then, was primarily taught to the sons of wealthy families. For it to saturate down to the poor and military, only to prepare these groups for Christianity which then flowed upwards, is an excellent theory.
So many quotes and insights to pull from. My favorite: “The minor grievance only appears major for lack of major grievances to compare it to.” You’re the man
Great article. Another saying along the same lines, "It is what it is." May not like what you see, may not even understand it; but one would always do well to accept it for what it is and proceed accordingly.
Denying it or misrepresenting it never ends well.
Never read Marlantes' *Matterhorn*, but *What It Is Like to Go to War* was an awesome read.
Great insights and exceptionally well written. You deserve a wide audience!
Thank you Chris, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Keep up the great work Sam—you’re a first class writer and will succeed if you persist.
I call it accepting reality. Sometimes it is “time and space”, i.e. when sitting in traffic I say “i sit here or I sit there”.
100%. It seems every age has its own way of telling us to accept reality. It's worth wondering why this is the case. I like your reference and it opens up another interesting thought - does it really matter where we sit?
Meditate on a mountain or in a chair at home. Chair is maybe harder 😉
Great one!
Thanks Kurt!
Another superb piece. As always, a good solid kick in the conscience delivered with erudition, wisdom and style!
I hadn't heard of 'there it is' before, but I have thought a lot about the sort of acceptance of reality it entails that is encouraged in stoicism (and Confucian Buddhism and Taoism, I think?), and my own habit of whingeing and 'boat ducking'. I am not settled on the idea that Christian 'resignation to God's will' is entirely the same thing, but I do think it encourages the same - or similar - behaviours.
If I did not believe in Providence, I would probably attribute the success of Christianity in the ancient world purely to the prior acceptance of stoic thought, upon which it builds/rests (a point for debate): I was interested to learn fairly recently that Epictetus was widely read in the Roman army: and I think it is no coincidence that in Roman society, the earliest movements towards Christian thought appear to have been in two large social groups: the poor, and the military.
Really great stuff here, Greg, thank you.
The relationship between Christian and Stoic acceptance is book worthy. If only there were 30 hours in a day...
I like your theory on Christianity being built on top of Stoicism. That would be ironic, since Stoicism, like most philosophy back then, was primarily taught to the sons of wealthy families. For it to saturate down to the poor and military, only to prepare these groups for Christianity which then flowed upwards, is an excellent theory.
So many quotes and insights to pull from. My favorite: “The minor grievance only appears major for lack of major grievances to compare it to.” You’re the man
Rock on brother.
Great article. Another saying along the same lines, "It is what it is." May not like what you see, may not even understand it; but one would always do well to accept it for what it is and proceed accordingly.
Denying it or misrepresenting it never ends well.
Never read Marlantes' *Matterhorn*, but *What It Is Like to Go to War* was an awesome read.
It is a very Aristotelian view of the world. Not trying to hide from it or evade from it, but understand it and then do something about it.
I haven't read What It Is Like to Go to War, but adding it to my list. Thank you.
Whoa!! Right between the eyes.
Thank you!
You are most welcome.